Page:New historical catechism (3).pdf/3



I perceive you have had an opportunity of reading ancient histories.

Q. Give an account if the heathen world had any glimmering light of a Redeemer, as was given to Abraham and his offspring.

A. As history shews, they had a very clear light, for Adam (who had converse with God and with his angels) lived above 240 years after Methusalem was born, and Methusalem lived above 500 after Noah was born, and Noah lived about 60 years after Abraham was born, who might converse together; and in the days of Abraham lived Zoroastes, who was a heathen, or Gentile, yet a very learned man, and might converse with Abraham and Noah, and others of the most ancient fathers; for the Romans had their learning from the Egyptians, and the Egyptians from the Chaldeans, as the Jews from Moses, and Moses from the Patriarchs, &c.

Q. In what age of the world did Job live?

A. Job lived the second age of the world, and was in the days of Abraham, Zoroastus; and, as his story relates, was a famous instance of patience, holiness, and virtue.

Q. But does history relate of no prophet that was amongst the Heathen or Gentile world, that did prophecy of a Redeemer among the Jews?

A. Yes, there is evident intimation in the writings of Zoroastes, concerning the Son of God, and